Ex-cop Chief, Son Back On The Force

June 23, 1994|By William Ronald.

Wilmington — The City Council on Tuesday reinstated former Police Chief Frank Lyons and his son, Todd, to the force, a day after Will County State's Atty. James Glasgow dismissed the last of felony charges against the two men.

The reinstatement of the Lyonses took effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday following a 7-0 vote. The elder Lyons returns to his job as administrative lieutenant, the department's second in command, while Todd Lyons returns to his police officer duties.

The council's actions bring to an end a 16-month-long tale of charges against the two officers. Frank Lyons was removed as chief in March 1993 and returned to the rank of lieutenant. Both Frank Lyons, 58, and Todd Lyons, 25, were put on paid leave July 1.

Although neither Lyons was at the meeting, their City Council supporters said the officers were vindicated by their reinstatement.

On Monday, Glasgow also dismissed the last of the felony charges against the ex-chief's daughter, Robin.

Glasgow's dismissal of the charges came in the wake of allegations that former felony prosecutor Charles Bretz had misused evidence to obtain the original indictments against the Lyonses.

The decision to reinstate the Lyonses with back pay was approved by the City Council after a two hour executive session. Ald. James Tenn (3rd) was absent from the meeting.

Ald. James Shell (3rd) said the city incurred considerable debt with the unpaid leave of the Lyonses.

"It has been estimated that the unpaid leave of two officers has cost in excess of $120,000 in salary, overtime and other expenses (including legal fees)," Shell said.

Wilmington's total police budget is about $500,000.

The city will not have to raise taxes, Wilmington Mayor Jerry Hill said, although some projects in Wilmington were "put on the back burner" to cover expenses relating to the Lyonses' leave.

Hill said that Chief Coralyn Beem will have to decide when to schedule Frank and Todd Lyons to return to duty.

Ald. Steve Carlock (1st) said that three of four aldermen have consistently supported Frank Lyons since he was placed on leave last March.

"Frank Lyons has always done a great job for the city of Wilmington and several of us believe he always will do a great job for the city of Wilmington," Carlock said.

Both Frank and Todd Lyons were charged with official misconduct while the elder Lyons had faced an additional charge of obstructing justice.

Robin Lyons was accused of forgery and theft for allegedly stealing and filling in a blank traffic ticket so an underage friend could use it in lieu of a driver's license to purchase alcohol.